A "joyful, G-rated environment" keeps the Odyssey Greek Festival alive and fresh as the annual event reaches its 34th anniversary.

Stephanie Theodos Hubbard, event spokeswoman, says the family festival "never gets old" because of the special spirit that permeates the Byzantine-style St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church and grounds in Orange. The four-day event has traditionally run over the Labor Day weekend, and this year is no exception. It takes place rain or shine.

Hubbard, whose parents are both Greek, has volunteered at the festival since graduating from college in the late 1980s.

"The festival continues to be so popular," attracting thousands each year, "because of the atmosphere: it's a little taste of Greece right here in Orange" as the sounds of the bouzouki and the aroma of an Athens food fair transport visitors thousands of miles away, she said.

"The delicious food combined with Greek hospitality" are the main draws, she said.

"There's a great community feeling here. It's authentic. It feels like an extended family."

In addition to the food, the festival will include many of the popular features from previous years, including live music, dancing and a Hellenic agora (marketplace).